Mexican football matches postponed after cartel leader killed by army

Four high-level football matches in Mexico have been postponed after the army killed the leader of a powerful drug cartel near the World Cup host city of Guadalajara.

Two top-flight fixtures were affected, including the men’s Liga MX clash between Queretaro and Juarez FC.

The high-profile women’s league match between Chivas and America was also called off following the security concerns.

Violence erupts in Jalisco

Officials also confirmed the immediate suspension of two games in the country’s second division.

The cancellations follow the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, who was wounded during a military operation in Tapalpa.

The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) died while being flown to Mexico City for treatment.

In the aftermath of the military strike, cartel members set fire to vehicles and established roadblocks across nearly a dozen states.

Security concerns for World Cup venue

The violence occurred roughly a two-hour drive from Guadalajara, which is preparing to act as a host city for the World Cup in June.

Guadalajara is scheduled to stage four matches during the tournament, featuring teams such as Spain, Uruguay, and co-hosts Mexico.

The CJNG is regarded as the most powerful criminal organisation in the country, with operations extending across 21 states.

International and tennis fixtures

Mexico’s national team is currently scheduled to play a friendly against Iceland on Wednesday at the Corregidora stadium in Queretaro.

The Mexican football federation has not yet issued a statement regarding the status of the international fixture.

However, organisers of the Mexican Open in Acapulco confirmed the ATP tennis tournament will proceed as planned on Monday.

A statement released by the venue noted that the tournament’s operation “continues as normal”.